What happened
On February 9, 2014, a Cessna 2/10N, registration PT-OMX, crashed into mountainous terrain in Taquaralto, Palmas, Tocantins, during a transport flight. The aircraft departed from Dona Iracema aerodrome (SJQZ) bound for Sítio Flyer aerodrome (SDNB) with the pilot and two passengers on board. During the en-route phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and collided with the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft structure, and all three occupants perished in the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a series of critical regulatory and maintenance failures. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate had been suspended since July 18, 2013, because it had missed its required annual maintenance inspection. Furthermore, the pilot was flying with an expired technical qualification certificate, which had lapsed in January 2014.
Investigators found that the aircraft's logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up-to-date, making it impossible to verify the exact hours flown since the last inspection. Evidence from the wreckage indicated the landing gear was in the retracted position. While the fuel quality was found to be within normal parameters, the investigation noted that a recent flight in the same aircraft had involved an engine failure that was not recorded in the aircraft's logs. Additionally, there were indications that the pilot may have been pressured to depart by a passenger before necessary maintenance could be completed.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline and the pilot's decision to operate an unairworthy aircraft with an expired qualification.
- Complacent attitudes regarding the disregard for established aeronautical regulations.
- Maintenance oversight, specifically the failure to monitor maintenance intervals and the lack of updated aircraft records.
- Potential engine malfunction or improper handling of an abnormal flight condition leading to the loss of control.